Atlantic 85 Lifeboat ‘Derrick Battle’ returns home

@Derrick Battle' on exercise

As we reported last year (see 2012 News page) Hayling’s much loved lifeboat ‘Derrick Battle’ was taken for an extended refit last August, as part of the normal process to ensure that the lifeboat is in tip-top condition.

The first replacement ‘Norma Ethel Vinall lasted less than a month with us when she developed a suspected defect in the essential strengthening ‘A’ frame and had to be taken out of service. The replacement Atlantic 85 ‘Peterborough Beer Festival III’ came as a replacement and has done good service for us since late August.

Now this week on Wednesday January 24 we welcomed ‘Derrick Battle’ back to the Hayling Island Lifeboat Station and she went out on exercise that evening. We are delighted to have the lifeboat with all equipment checked and fully functional and with any parts upgraded or reconditioned where necessary, and to know that we can be totally confident in the boat’s performance as we continue to save lives around Hayling Island.

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